Insurance Coverage & Disasters

Life is unpredictable and disasters can happen. This is why we all need insurance for financial protection and reimbursement against losses. When it comes to disasters, it is good to know which disasters typically are covered and which disasters typically are not covered by your basic homeowners insurance policy.

The basic homeowners insurance policy typically covers this list of named perils.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes typically not covered by a homeowners insurance policy even though earthquakes are a common danger in California. A separate policy is needed to be purchased in order to obtain coverage for losses resulting from an earthquake. Most earthquake insurance policies feature a high deductible, which makes this type of insurance useful if the entire home is destroyed, but not useful if the home is merely damaged. Rates depend on location and the probability of an earthquake. Take note, however, that insurance policies often cover losses related to fires following earthquakes.

Flood

Most property insurance policies exclude coverage for losses resulting from flood. So, unless you purchase a flood policy, you do not have coverage for flood losses.

Other Water Damage

You are not covered if you have back-ups or an overflow from your septic system or sump-pump. You can add a rider to your homeowners insurance policy for additional coverage for direct physical loss.

Other Earth Movement

Other earth movements such as sink holes and landslides are not covered by a basic policy.

Hurricanes

Most policies cover losses associated with a hurricane disaster. Take note, however, that they typically don’t cover flood loss associated with the hurricane. In addition, some policies only provide limited coverage for hurricanes or they may? require that a higher deductible be purchased specifically for the hurricane peril.

Nuclear War or Accident

Nuclear war is not a natural disaster. However, your typical homeowners insurance policy does not cover any loss incurred from a nuclear disaster.

It’s important to take time to understand just what your homeowners insurance policy covers and what it doesn’t so that you can add additional coverages if necessary. Read your policy for exclusions and be sure to purchase additional coverage to make sure your home is fully protected.